Expect higher light bills in future, thanks to Ike

July 30, 2009 8:14:22 AM PDT

HOUSTON --

CenterPoint Energy customers may end up paying a little extra for the next 14 years because of Hurricane Ike.CenterPoint is trying to recover the more than $677 million it cost to restore power following the storm. The company is asking the Public Utility Commission for permission to collect the money from retail electric providers who would then pass the cost on to customers.

If approved, customers who use 1,000 kilowatts per month could expect to pay up to $2.50 a month extra.